Raymond J. Keating, chief economist for SBE Council and author of the book, said: "Protecting intellectual property matters for the economy and entrepreneurs. Some say it does not and attempt to downplay any importance. However, these assertions are dead wrong. Establishing, protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights are critical to economic growth, and actually matter most to entrepreneurs and small businesses."

"Unleashing Small Business Through IP" explains the economic, industry, day-to-day business, and policy benefits of protecting intellectual property, as well as the ills of allowing IP theft to flourish.

In highly readable fashion, "Unleashing Small Business Through IP" looks at the role of intellectual property in our economy and the global marketplace, among small businesses, in key industries (such as software, music, Hollywood, video gaming, pharmaceuticals, book publishing, and more), in history, in economic thinking, and in the policy arena.

Keating added, "Opportunities for entrepreneurs have grown exponentially in this increasingly digital, global economy. At the same time, the challenges of protecting IP have grown as well. Just look at places like China and India, where opportunities are high but so are IP risks. This book makes clear why the battle to protect IP must be fought, and must be won."

SBE Council President & CEO Karen Kerrigan declared: "This book serves as an invaluable guide for policymakers and the general public in helping them to grasp the critical role that intellectual property protections play in driving innovation and job growth. The stakes are high for the U.S. economy and our businesses. The U.S. must remain a global leader in protecting IP. We must continue to educate the world about the many benefits associated with protecting IP, which include increased prosperity and entrepreneurship in those countries that respect and protect IP, as well as human progress and wealth creation overall."

The Kindle eBook version of "Unleashing Small Business Through IP: Protecting Intellectual Property, Driving Entrepreneurship" can be purchased here.

A PDF copy of "Unleashing Small Business Through IP: Protecting Intellectual Property, Driving Entrepreneurship." can be read on SBE Council's website here.

SBE Council is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy, research and education organization dedicated to protecting small business and promoting entrepreneurship. For more information please visit www.sbecouncil.org.